Press Release courtesy of Pitt Athletics.
Pitt diving coach Katie Hazelton will lead a Pitt Athletics Knock-Out Breast Cancer event on Wednesday at Shape Training in Shadyside. The event will begin at 7 p.m., as the Panthers try to raise awareness about genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer, as October serves as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Hazelton, who herself tested positive for BRCA 1, a gene mutation that puts her at a greater risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, hopes to make more women aware of the test and the options available to those who are at risk.
“I would like to raise awareness that if breast or ovarian cancer runs in your family, there are ways of knowing whether you’re at risk too,” Hazelton said. “More women should know that the test for the gene is a valid option, which can help you have peace of mind and make informed decisions about your future health.”
MORE INFO: Genetic Testing for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Genes via American Cancer Society
With the goal of spreading awareness for genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer, members of the Pitt swimming & diving team, coaching staff and University of Pittsburgh Athletics administration, coaches and support staff are teaming up with Hazelton and Shape Training on Wednesday. All participants will receive a pink Pitt Knock-Out Breast Cancer t-shirt.
A total of 40,610 punches will be thrown on punching bags to represent the number of women who die from breast cancer each year in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Hazelton will throw the final punches to finish out the event.
Media members interested in covering the event should RSVP to Pitt assistant director of media relations for swimming & diving, R.J. Sepich, by email ([email protected]) or at (412) 452-1992.
The Pitt swimming & diving meet on Friday, Oct. 27 against Miami, Michigan State and James Madison at Trees Pool will also serve as the team’s Breast Cancer Awareness meet, with the Panthers set to wear pink swim caps to further raise awareness for the cause.
